Just Ask Terry

I have been struggling with my weight for years.

Q. Dear Terry, “I have been struggling with my weight for years. Lately, I have been cooking more meals at home, really watching my intake of carbs, adding more good fats, exercising regularly, but still can’t shake these extra pounds. Do you know of anything that might help?” — Lacey G., Chattanooga, TN

A. Dear Lacey, I think one of the most difficult health issues that people struggle with these days is managing their weight. I’m glad to hear you are making improvements in your diet – as that is a key piece of losing weight and keeping it off. In addition to the dietary changes you are making, I highly recommend that you look into the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is the diet I personally follow. You can review my diet here or watch my webinar. For additional information, I also recommend checking out the following websites: www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com and www.drperlmutter.com. You should also read the books, Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter and Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis.

I think it’s important to include fiber in your weight loss plan. Fiber helps to fill you up, and is found in many healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Also, fiber helps to keep your blood sugar stable, preventing the highs and lows that can trigger overeating. In addition to the dietary forms of fiber, I recommend a clinically studied form of concentrated plant fiber that has been shown to help people lose weight. In just 3 months, with no dietary restrictions, (however, we know how important diet is, and a proper diet could probably lead to even greater weight loss results) people taking the concentrated fiber lost up to 7 times the weight of those in the placebo group, who actually gained on average half of a pound. People in the fiber group also saw significant reductions in their BMI (Body Mass Index), body fat, visceral fat (the dangerous kind of fat that accumulates around organs in the torso), and waist, hip, and upper abdominal circumference. Additionally, people in the fiber group saw reductions in their A1C levels – which is a measure of your blood sugar average over time, and is a more accurate depiction of what your blood sugar levels are over a period of time.

Another important ingredient for weight loss is grape seed extract. A pilot clinical study found that grape seed extract reduced blood sugar levels after a high-carbohydrate meal. The OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) in grape seed can help stop the sugar spikes that affect insulin levels, and could potentially lead to diabetes. Another scientific study found that when volunteers consumed grape seed extract at least 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, the participants had a decreased appetite because the extract seemed to slow the absorption of food, which decreased feelings of hunger.

I also think ginger is very important in managing your weight. Clinical research has shown that ginger consumption can reduce BMI, improve blood sugar metabolism, and prevent the highs and lows that can lead to cravings and overeating.